§ 27-472.01. U-L-I Zone (Urban Light Industrial).

(a)

Purposes.

(1)

The purposes of the U-L-I Zone are:

(A)

To attract and retain a variety of small-scale light industrial uses in older, mostly developed industrial areas, developed with structures lacking state-of-the-art mechanical features, and located close to established residential communities;

(B)

To create an urban light industrial character, setting it apart from both the more intense industrial zones and the high-traffic-generating commercial zones which will encourage a mix of small-scale industrial uses that are more appropriate for the small, older industrial areas;

(C)

To encourage the location of small-scale "clean industries" (e.g., electronic, assembly of precision laboratory equipment, etc.) and new "incubator" or "cottage businesses";

(D)

To apply appropriate physical site development standards or guidelines to new and existing uses or structures which will foster an attractive and viable light industrial employment area. The standards will also promote functional and visual compatibility with adjacent or nearby residential areas;

(E)

To encourage cooperative property management techniques such as parking, loading, screening, lighting, and security among the various industrial uses;

(F)

To establish a flexible regulatory process with appropriate standards that will promote reinvestment in, and appropriate redevelopment of, older urban industrial areas as employment centers.

(b)

Landscaping of development in the U-L-I Zone shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Division 4 of this Part.

(c)

Outdoor storage/trash receptacles.

(1)

Outdoor storage and trash receptacles shall not be visible from a public right-of-way or residentially-zoned property. Screening and buffering shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of the Landscape Manual, except as are provided for in Division 4 of this Part.

(d)

Uses.

(1)

The uses allowed in the U-L-I Zone are as provided for in the Table of Uses (Division 3 of this Part).

(e)

Regulations.

(1)

Additional regulations concerning the location, size, and other provisions for all buildings and structures in the U-L-I Zone are as provided for in Divisions 1 and 5 of this Part, the Regulation Tables (Division 4 of this Part), General (Part 2), and Signs (Part 12).

(2)

Off-street parking and loading shall be in accordance with Part 11 unless a U-L-I Parking Plan is approved by the Planning Board in accordance with Section 27-585(c).

(f)

Alternative Development Technique.

(1)

The U-L-I Zone is intended to support appropriate redevelopment, development, and uses in older industrial areas of the County which are constrained by small lots, high FAR levels, limited parking and loading facilities, and older buildings.

(2)

The Alternative Development Technique recognizes that most current zoning regulations provide inflexible standards that tend to inhibit development and rehabilitation of the older industrial areas. This procedure will allow a flexible performance-oriented approach that will recognize existing development character and physical limitations.

(3)

The District Council shall adopt U-L-I Zone Design Guidelines by resolution. These Guidelines may be modified from time to time as deemed necessary. The Guidelines and any amendments thereto shall be adopted at a public hearing which shall be advertised in accordance with the District Council Rules of Procedure. In making decisions on development proposals, these Guidelines shall be liberally construed.

(CB-1-1994)

Editor's note

CR-30-1994 approved "Design Guidelines for the U-L-I Zone."